“I’m committed to doing everything I can to get people into the door but not only that, to ensure that they have the opportunity to be successful,” she has said.

From 2007 to 2011, Dr. Harris served as Chancellor of St. Louis Community College, Missouri’s largest community college system.

She also served as President of Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. and President of Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Mo.

Dr. Harris’s contract was unanimously approved Tuesday night by PCC’s Governing Board. She was among five candidates interviewed last week by the Board and representatives of College employee groups.

Board Chair Dr. Brenda Even said Dr. Harris was a “superb fit” for PCC and has the experience and qualifications to lead the College into the future. “We look forward to having Dr. Harris with us as we all pull together,” Dr. Even said.

Dr. Harris’s biography and résumé can be viewed on the College website. PCC will post Dr. Harris’ contract when it is complete.